Hold On (Play On #2.5)(3)

Afterward, they headed back to Scotland and I travelled to Whitetail Mountain to hang out with Catie and Kyle.

“You get to the lodge okay?”

I had. Even though I’d been a little nervous (okay, a lot!) as the commuter bus drove up Whitetail Mountain. It was well paved and sanded but there were these treacherous, narrow hairpin turns that they called switchbacks here and I’d felt my whole body tense as we wound up the mountain. However, I was not tense enough to miss the view or the cute B&B we passed called The Hideout, thinking I would have liked to have stayed there. But when the bus drove into the snow village where the lodge was located I realized why Catie and Kyle holidayed at the Snow Ghost every year.

I could see ski lifts on their climb to the summit, the snow-covered evergreens, a building complex that looked like it housed rental apartments.

There was a ski rental shop and a café, as well as a few little independent stores.

The bus had parked in a lot before a beautiful lodge that somehow managed to be grand and rustic at the same time. The Snow Ghost Lodge.

I loved the name. As soon as Catie sent me the lodge website link so I could book a room, I fell in love. The lodge sat right at the base of the ski lifts so guests could shimmy out on their skis and set off right away.

“Yes, and I think this might be what heaven looks like,” I replied.

“I was worried about you going up that mountain.”

I wasn’t going to tell my brother I had been, too. “Well I’m fine. Although decidedly not going to ski.”

“Why not?”

I told him what happened and then had to wait for a few minutes for him to stop laughing. It was nice to hear my big brother laugh, just not at my expense. “Are you done?”

“Only you”—his voice still trembled with amusement— “could knock a man off his feet and knee him in the ’nads within seconds of hitting the slopes.”

“Hey, I’m usually very graceful.”

“Until there’s snow.”

“I broke my leg once. One time!”

“Aye, skiing. What about two winters ago when you took out three people in the supermarket car park when you slipped on ice and fell into a load of trolleys?”

“I could have killed someone, Killian. That’s not a funny story.”

“I just don’t understand how someone who dances like an angel suddenly has no grace whatsoever when white cold stuff hits the ground.”

I glared at my view. “You could have reminded me of this when I told you I was planning on coming here.”

“Why? You need time for yourself. I’m glad you’re out there. But for my peace of mind… promise me, no more skiing.”

“I’ll stick to the spa.”

“Thank you.”

“You must be tired. I’ll let you go.”

“Okay. Check in with me tomorrow.”

I rolled my eyes at his protectiveness. “Or the next day.”

“No, tomorrow, Autumn.”

Hearing the sternness in his voice I nodded and then remembered he couldn’t see me. “Tomorrow.”

“Right. Off to bed. Night, sweetheart.”

“Night, big brother.”

“Autumn.”

Something about his tone made me tense as I replied, “Yes?”

“You know I love you, right?”

Tears pricked my eyes. I knew my brother loved me. He’d spent his life raising me, protecting me, and making sure I didn’t feel the sting of my uncle’s lack of affection. When I was little, Killian told me he loved me all the time but as we’d gotten older, he’d stopped saying the words. His actions always spoke louder than them anyway. That didn’t mean they didn’t feel beautiful. And I had Skylar to thank for them.

“Always. I love you, too.”

After we hung up I stared out at the view for a while, feeling momentarily content. Momentarily because I knew that it wouldn’t last. I was restless deep down in my soul and growing more so.

The alarm on my phone went off to let me know my first spa treatment was up. I’d booked a whole bunch of treatments before even arriving so I wouldn’t miss out but after my disastrous morning on the slopes I’d checked at reception to see if they had any availability for other treatments.

An Indian head massage appointment was available.

Hell yes!

I made my way down to the spa in my bikini and fluffy white robe from the room. I also wore the complimentary slippers and had a towel rolled up under my arm. The spa was on the floor below mine which made sense when you saw it—the spa took advantage of the views. I saw on the website that there was an outdoor heated infinity pool that jutted out over the mountains. I couldn’t wait to try it out.

But first up, head massage.

I loved spas.

I loved the pampering from the moment you entered. I loved the smell of aromatherapy and chlorine from the pool. I loved the misty condensation in the air from the steam room and sauna.

I loved getting a massage.

I loved that when you were there you didn’t have to think about anything but relaxing.

I loved spas and was definitely more of a spa girl than a ski girl.

After handing me a glass of champagne topped with orange juice, a friendly woman named Cora led me through the reception area to the indoor pool. Tranquil music played softly in the background as she guided me to a reserved lounger by the pool.